Remembering Judith Krug

The quotes below have been collected by the Office for Intellectual Freedom staff to honor the passing of our friend and colleague, Judith Krug. Judith passed away on Saturday, April 11th, 2009 of stomach cancer. If you would like to add your thoughts, memories, and condolences, please send them to
rememberingjudith@ala.org.

Remembering Judith Krug

Judith Krug's Media Apperances

The American Booksellers Association and the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression mourn the passing of our friend Judith F. Krug. Judith was one of the most important leaders of the free speech community in the second half of the 20th century. She was constantly on the road defending librarians, even when that meant injecting herself into local controversies where her physical safety was at risk. Her courage will always be an inspiration to defenders of free speech.
-
Chris Finan, president of the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression

What I remember most about Judy, besides her laugh, and what I will miss most, was her unswering passion in her beliefs and her ability to combine this with the ability to listen respectfully to others with ther points of view, and the good sense to put this into practice.
- Bruce Farrar, Former Chair of the Public Library Association Intellectual Freedom Committee

With the passing of our Vice-President Judith Krug, the Phi Beta Kappy Society and the American Society have lost a truly great champion of intellectaul freedom, a cardinal ideal of both. During her years as an elected official of Phi Beta Kappa her integrity, dedication, and irrepressible optimism left an indelible imprints on all those she worked with, that will continued to inspire us to follow her example.
- Allison Blakely, president of the Phi Beta Kappa Society

The history of librianship will denote Judith Krug's contributions on par with Ranganathan and Dewey. Mrs. Krug's influence and passion have made an indelible impression on a half-century of library philosophy. Hers was an unwavering voice with a consistent message unbended by political or social trends. Her commitment to the First Freedom was without equal. The only match for Judy's intellect was her style and grace. Every library in America should be draped in black today.
- Charles Harmon, Vice-President and Director of Publishing, Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc.

Judith Krug was there for me, giving me advice and support during a major book censorship issue over Daddy's Roommate. I loved her no nonsense outline of how to proceed and will always be grateful to have known her.
- Therese Bigelow, Freedom to Read Foundation trustee

I first met Judith 10 years ago, when I was a new First Amendment lawyer with the Center for Democracy & Technology. She was a sharp, funny, passionate advocate for freedom of expression and freedom of information, and a charming, warm, and extremely witty person. I enjoyed working with her. Later, when Helen Adams, Bob Boucher, Carol Gordon and I wrote a book on library privacy, we were very honored that Judith agreed to write a Forward to our book. Again, she was a pleasure to work with and had a gift for keeping everyone around her on their toes. Thank you, for everything you did, Judith. You will be greatly missed.
- Liza Barry-Kessler

I was chair of the Kentucky Library Association Fall Conference in 2001 and Judith was one of the featured speakers. I knew her reputation but had never met her personally. I was a nervous wreck about the whole thing and THOUGHT that I’d told all the speakers to take a cab from the airport so that I didn’t have to worry about getting them to the hotel. I missed telling Judith so she waited at the airport for a good while and then finally took a cab. When she got to the hotel, I realized what I had done and apologized to a pretty steamed Judith. She immediately broke into a smile and said, “No problem-It all worked out fine.” I was so relieved and knew right away what a classy lady I’d just met. We became friends and she always greeted me with a kiss and a smile. I will miss her dearly.
- Terri Kirk, ALA Executive Board, ALA-APA Executive Board

I first met Judith at an ALA program about challenged books and what to do in such situations. I was forever impacted by her strong presence and passionate eloquence. She always had a big smile on her face and was quick to respond with precise words. I admired her wealth of knowledge and her decisive nature. Judith was a dama, a lady in all senses. It also impressed me how stylish and finely dressed she always was. Judith was an amazing friend of REFORMA. We were fortunate to coordinate programs to discuss Spanish-language challenged books. She clearly expressed her support and fierce advocacy for immigrants. I will miss Judith. She was a strong and respected advocate for intellectual freedom and freedom of information for all.
- Loida Garcia-Febo, REFORMA President Elect

I was honored to meet Judith at the meetings of IFLA/FAIFE. It's hard to know that she's no longer with us. My deepest condolences to her family, friends and colleagues in American Library Association.
- Marica Sapro-Ficovic, senior librarian member of IFLA/FAIFE, Dubrovnik libraries, Croatia

The family and friends of Judith Krug have my condolences. I am a staunch supporter of intellectual freedom and very much appreciate her tireless efforts in its defense. While I'm not a librarian, I do have a relative that was on the ALA executive committee- John Hall Jacobs. At least one more relative was also a librarian. The library is one of my favorite places; I often have to pull myself away from the shelves. I have actually heard of people stealing books of which they disapprove. What they must be thinking to rob someone else of a chance to decide for themselves I have difficulty imagining.
- Jeremy Brock

While I will always admire Judy's single-minded advocacy of intellectual freedom for library users, librarians, etc., the person I will miss is my irreverent romance-reading friend who loved getting fresh flowers weekly from her husband and suggested the perfect place in Chicago to entertain Nora Roberts when I invited her there for a PLA workshop. Her passion, contacts, political sense, and larger-than- life personality will be an inspiration always. She was a great librarian and a great person. She also loved dogs.
- Mary K Chelton, Ph.D., GSLIS/Queens College/CUNY

I met Judith back in the 1980's when I was a librarian at the Los Angeles Public Library, putting together a workshop on intellectual freedom. We had no real budget for the event, so I was thrilled and amazed when Judith agreed to come out to LA in order to participate in the session. She was dynamic, passionate, and it seemed to me that she was the Office of Intellectual Freedom of the American Library Association, its personification as one indomitable woman. Years later, when my own book came under fire and was the subject of a nationwide discussion on its appropriateness for kids, Judith was right there. As always, she defended freedom of access for children. Just as she had helped me feel secure and comfortable as a librarian responding to those who would limit or curtail constitutional rights, Judy stood up and gave me courage as an author. All of us--librarians, writers, illustrators, and readers--we're all indebted to Judy for her steadiness at the helm during some of the most challenging years for intellectual freedom.
- Susan Patron

And here's one I am sure Judy would have preferred to forget: At the Detroit Annual, an ALA produced film, "The Speaker," (I believe) was shown at a membership meeting. There was enormous objection to its content, aside from the cost and Judy was under fire. A vote to allow it to be shown to the library world was taken. If I remember, the film "won" by one vote--in any case by a very close count. When the "yes" came through, Judy who had been under fire, jumped up and down--a cheerleader for a not very good film. Anyone else remember that? Be that as it may, Judy made a gigantic difference and her leadership and friendship will be sorely missed. My deep sympathies go to her family and colleagues. May she rest in peace--but knowing Judy--she'll stir things up for the greater good of intellectual freedom.
- Big Grandma (Ruth I. Gordon)

I remember when I was under a federal gag order, my case still in court, for refusing to provide library patron information without a warrant in response to a National Security Letter. Judith Krug called me. She never said that she knew I was the one holding out. I could not talk about it then anyway. She was just reassuring and calming at the time when I needed it most.
-Peter Chase, Director, Plainville Public Library

For over 40 years Judith Krug protected the freedom to read for everyone, and worked especially hard to protect that freedom for seniors, immigrants, the poor, kids, and anyone else who, in many instances, are less able to effectively protect their own rights. Hers was a lifelong determination to demonstrate that James Madison, with whom she shared a birthday, was correct: "knowledge will forever govern ignorance." Hers was a lifelong commitment "to educate librarians and the general public about the nature and importance of intellectual freedom in libraries." Judith once said: "We do have our work cut out for us. The world we live in leads me to believe that librarians and trustees must strongly and often reaffirm their role in the 21st century. We must continue to strive to provide to all of our users in the multitude of communities we serve the information they need and want regardless of format. Bringing people together with information is our reason for being."--"Intellectual Freedom 2002: Living the Chinese Curse." It’s now up to each of us to continue protecting the freedom to read.
-Don Wood, program officer, ALA Chapter Relations Office

Judith’s speech on the PATRIOT ACT at the IFLA conference in Oslo in 2005, where I was extremely honoured to escort her to the rather steep stage, was one of the best I have ever heard. The way she described the work of American librarians in the face of US anti-terror legislation was funny, inspiring and completely skewered the short-sighted US government’s approach to collecting library users’ information. Judith was never afraid to point out the hypocrises and dangers of censorship - which was why the first place I asked to visit when I started my PhD in 2001 was her office in Chicago.
- Stuart Hamilton, Senior Policy Advisor, International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Judith Krug. For so many years she has been the face of Intellectual Freedom. I have called the Office for Intellectual Freedom for advice and information, and she often was the one to answer my questions. A true champion for open access! Her shoes will be extremely difficult to fill. We have suffered a great loss.
- Hilda Weisburg

I met Judith briefly while I was a second year student at San Jose State University School of Library and Information Science. She made a presentation to students and faculty at a time when our libraries were being threated by the Bush/Cheney administration. She impressed me because she was a tiny lady, passionate about the work she and others were doing to protect our First Amendment Rights, and very knowledgeable about the United States Constitution and its importance in our daily lives. Bless you Judith for all the years you gave to ALA and for your dedication to our freedoms. My condolences to her husband and all her family and friends.
- Socorro Maria Pelayo

Judith Krug personally assisted me with a censorship case in my former school district. It was the first challenge to materials in my career and her assistance in the matter was critical to overcoming the challenge. I will be eternally grateful for her help.
- James Perkins, Library Media Specialist, Baldwin-Woodville High School, Baldwin, WI

From the moment I first met Judy years ago, I knew immediately that she was a person you could count on for sensible advice and support. In person, she would greet you with great warmth. She had a radiant smile and a wonderful sense of humor. It is thanks to Judy's work as ALA's spokesperson regarding the First Amendment that our libraries are respected and held in such high regard. Thank you, Judy, for your leadership and all those years of kindness and friendship.
- Sam Simon, Trustee, Ramapo Catskill Library System

"Tireless advocate for First Amendment Rights" so exactly describes Judith. My personal encounters with her, when she visited Washington State, at ALA conferences, and on the phone, all were marked by high energy, a remarkable talent for interpreting facts and analyzing issues, passion for defense of free expression, respect for all opinions, and a sense of humor. Her example helped all of us grow in our ability to identify First Amendment issue and to advocate more effectively for First Amendment rights. She will be missed, but the work she carried on for 40 years will continue as a lasting memorial to her. My thoughts are with her family.
- Lethene Parks

Judith Krug was a big help when the Oregon State Library established the Oregon Intellectual Freedom Clearinghouse in 1987. She supported us through challenges against "If Beale Street Could Talk" at a combined middle-high school library, through the dark days of the first round of the culture wars when the Oregon Citizens Alliance targeted books about homosexuality in statewide and local anti-gay initiatives (1992-1994), and when "Daddy's Roommate" and "Heather has Two Mommies" were challenged in multiple public libraries. Intellectual freedom trainings sponsored by the Office for Intellectual Freedom, and well-presented by Judith and others had a ripple effect in Oregon as the content was shared and repeated in the state. Other substantial contributions developed with Judith's leadership that continue to be well-used in Oregon are the interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights and the Intellectual Freedom Manual. Judith was always generous in agreeing to attend state conferences and we in Oregon had the pleasure of hosting her a number of years ago. After that conference I remember a sunny deck, a home-cooked meal, lively laughing discussion by the librarians and lawyer in attendance, and there one of Judy Krug's secrets was revealed -- she never went to the grocery store! All shopping for the family was done by her husband. Party talk or not--it was a fun revelation about a goddess! To Judy's colleagues in the Office for Intellectual Freedom and ALA, we are sorry for your loss.
- Mary Ginnane, President, Oregon Library Association

Judith (and I hear you saying “Yes Margaret” in my ear) I was very fortunate to have known you for almost 40 years and count you as a friend. My life was enriched by knowing you and sharing happy times and, of course, from having the honor of serving on the IFC. You were a remarkable person who helped so many of us to stand strong for intellectual freedom and free access to information for everyone, regardless of age. May you rest easily knowing that we will continue to fight for these principles with the memory of your easily knowing that we will continue to fight for these principles with the memory of your strong leadership to guide us.
- Peg (M. A.) Oettinger

She was a fierce, loyal defender of the First Amendment. It was a shock to read of her death and she will be greatly missed.
- K.G. Schneider, Free Range Librarian

Judith Krug was the consummate indefatigable defender of intellectual freedom. In doing so, she set the bar high for those of us working in the school library media centers, public libraries and academic libraries across the country. As a school library media specialist, and, as a former member of ALA’s Intellectual Freedom Committee, I watched, listened and learned from a master who lived and breathed the concepts of the freedom to read, view, and listen to information in all formats, and of opposing viewpoints, and challenged those who would not honor those freedoms. Judith’s tenacity in promoting First Amendment rights created environments of free expression of thought and enabled hundreds of thousands of students and adults to become responsible citizens because of their access to ideas and ideals of a democratic society. Judith will be missed but she has left us with an important legacy of intellectual freedoms.
- Harriet Selverstone, Past President of AASL

I will always remember the times I heard Judith Krug speak at ALA conferences, how articulate, stimulating and right to the point her presentations were; how well they were received by librarians in the audience. I was lucky to have been able to talk informally with her about her years at ALA and the Freedom to Read Foundation. Her contributions to the profession are invaluable, so crucial and important. She was truly a remarkable woman, one that comes along only once in a generation.
- Dr. Susan Freiband, Retired Professor, Graduate School of Information Sciences and Technologies, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras

Judith and her staff were of tremendous help to our library as we responded to censorship attacks in 1992 over "Daddy's Roommate" and "Heather Has Two Mommies" and again in 1999 over concerns about children's access to pornography on the Internet, adult books, etc. Her wise counsel and support were invaluable. She will always be remembered for her defense of intellectual freedom throughout the nation.
- Jerry Thrasher, Retried Director, Cumberland County Public Library & Information Center, Fayetteville, NC

The following is a portion of a letter that I recently submitted to ALA supporting Honorary Membership for Judith. I was privileged to work with her on a regular basis for a number of years. To say I will miss her really doesn’t express my sense of loss on a personal level and for the association.

The work and dedication of Judith speaks for itself. I have known Judith as a friend and colleague since the early 1980’s when she landed at a small airport in Columbia Missouri to present a program on Intellectual Freedom for the Missouri Library Association. The clear image of Judith I will always have in my mind from that day and on many others is of the excitement and smile on her face as she prepares to enlighten an audience on the issues surrounding IF. It doesn’t matter if an audience numbers 25, 2500, one journalist or simply Judith and a television camera.

Recently it was my privilege to work with her as Chair of the Intellectual Freedom Committee for four years and now as a member of the Freedom to Read Foundation Board. Frankly, it is not an exaggeration to say that she is the voice and face of libraries across our Nation in regard to protecting First Amendment Rights. The partnerships she has created for ALA with other associations sharing our common concerns is astounding. She is an encyclopedic resource and important mentor for untold numbers in our profession and out of it. Her contributions to librarianship and the cause of Intellectual Freedom are unprecedented. I am not aware of one existing award that can really do her justice. There is only one and will always be just one “Judy”.
-Kent Oliver, Freedom to Read Foundation Board member

I was lucky to have met Judith on several occasions when she was good enough to agree to be the presenter at intellectual freedom-related programs I was in charge of setting up here in Wisconsin. In fact, I was seriously considering asking her to come once again in 2010 - I was unaware that she was ill – because she always did such a wonderful, inspiring, energizing job every time she spoke. She has always personified the stalwart and brave “freedom fighter” for me and many other librarians I’m sure across this country. I will miss her strong voice and kind nature greatly.
-Dick Nelson, Director, North Shore Library, Glendale, Wisconsin

One of America's truly great advocates of intellectual freedom. It was a privilege to know her; she left us much too early.
-Allen B. Veaner

I had the pleasure of working a few times with Judith and was fortunately enough to be able to bring her to our campus a number of years ago as a guest speaker for our first-year experience course called the Liberal Arts Symposium, where she gave an excellent talk to students about the issue of intellectual freedom. Her commitment to the issue was evident to all in the audience. From debating a representative of the FBI on "Nightline" during the time of the "surveillance in the stacks" program, to organizing the Law for Librarians workshop I was fortunate to attend several years ago, to just her every day efforts on behalf of all those citizens we as librarians serve, Judith truly was an outstanding role model of integrity and determination. She will be greatly missed -- and long remembered!
-Eric A. Kidwell

I didn’t have the privilege of working as closely with Judith as you and your colleagues did, but I know how much she adored you (because “adore” was the word she always used to describe the FTRF staff), so I wanted both to express my condolences and to share the attached article about Judith from today’s Bloomington (IN) Herald Times. “Giant” may seem like an odd word to describe someone of Judith’s height, but she was a giant to me long before I ever met her and she only grew larger in my eyes as I got to know her. I look forward to meeting you in July and to having the opportunity to celebrate Judith’s extraordinary life in the company of those she loved best.
-Fred H. Cate

I did not have the pleasure of meeting Judith Krug, but she always had a nice comment on my letter acknow-ledging my annual contribution to Freedom to Read Foundation. I will miss those comments.
-J. Lee Mershon

I was honored to serve as a library student aid under Judith during my MLS year of study for the ALA annual meeting in Chicago. I truly learned and profited from her expertise during that short time. I retired in 1999 and am happy to say my career is remembered with pleasure. Thanks for everything, Judith and wonderful prayerful and peaceful time to you.
-Gail O'Brien

Judy was a steadfast fighter for liberty, a courageous partner in the struggle, and a key thought leader on the importance of first amendment, fourth amendment, and other rights so much in jeopardy in recent years. She brought a historical sensibility that is all too rare these days, and it was an honor to have known her and stood beside her on platforms as we worked hard to recapture our vanishing rights. The world is a lot less bright in the wake of her departure. My condolences and those of all of us at the BORDC go out to her friends, family, and colleagues.
-Chip Pitts, President, Bill of Rights Defense Committee

I learned so much from Judith Krug. I will dearly miss her knowledge, her dedication, her wit, her acumen, and her unmatched ability to command a room. -David Greene, First Amendment Project, Oakland CA
I am one of the thousands of librarians who could say that Dr. Krug had always been the director of the Office for Intellectual Freedom, as her tenure in that position started before I was born. I am also one of the thousand of librarians who has been personally touched by her leadership, courage, and wisdom. As the new chair of the Colorado Association of Libraries’ Intellectual Freedom Committee, I quickly found that I could depend on Judith for advice and support on any question, whether it involved supporting a librarian through a book challenge to the latest information on filtering or the USA PATRIOT Act. When I was selected to be an intern on the ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee, I found the same level of support and mentoring. Now that I’ve had the opportunity to work with her for a number of years, I truly appreciate how much she brought to the table in terms of knowledge, insight, and creative ideas. While Dr Krug’s mentoring of new librarians was a worthy accomplishment, it is her expertise and leadership in the field of intellectual freedom that stood out. One thing I learned from Judith through many rounds of editing policy documents is to be wary of sweeping statements. With that in mind, I still feel confident saying that there is simply no one else on this planet who has done more to promote free expression, free access to information, and freedom from interference when pursuing information. She will be sorely missed.
-Martin Garnar, Senior Trustee, LeRoy C. Merritt Humanitarian Fund

Twenty-six years ago, fresh out of library school and attending my first ever ALA Annual Conference, I discovered that I could sit in on any committee meeting as an observer, and so I found my way to the Intellectual Freedom Committee and met the already legendary Judith Krug. It was a life-changing experience, and set the course of my professional life as a librarian. It was not just her passion for intellectual freedom that made her significant, it is the way she nurtured a whole community of advocates that stretches the length and breadth of librarianship and publishing, media, lawyers, politicians, scholars, and people from all walks of life who shared her convictions. Judy was networking before the concept was invented. Because once you came within her orbit, she never ever let you go. She had a kind heart and a keen wit. She was a doting grandmother. She was a good friend, someone who never betrayed a confidence, someone who could be relied upon. She pushed hard but she pushed herself harder. She was a lot of fun. She had a wicked sense of humor --- that deadpan look, followed by the throaty laugh that told you she was joking. She was tough and tenacious about the issues, she never pulled her punches, but it wasn’t ever personal. It feels like the earth has shifted under our feet. It’s hard to believe that Judy --- so alive, so vital --- is gone. It’s like when my mother died, and I realized that my siblings and I were now the elders of the family. “Who, me?” you say incredulously. “Oh no, that’s impossible. I’m not ready.” But ready or not, we must go on because there isn’t any alternative, there are things that must be done and it’s now up to us to do them. We’ll stumble around, making it up as we go, appalled at the effort it takes to do what Judy made look so effortless. And only then will we begin to understand the magnitude of her accomplishments, and our great good fortune to be able to call her colleague, mentor, and friend.
-Pam Klipsch, Director, Jefferson County Library

Judith Krug is the reason I became a librarian, and remained a librarian, and I know I'm not alone. She was role model, mentor, and cheerleader for so many of us. She was the inspiration for my professional engagement in First Amendment and freedom of expression issues for over 30 years. If she called and asked me to do something, I always answered, only half jokingly, "Anything for you, Judith." Because I knew that whatever she was asking of me would be intellectually engaging, complex, and important to library professional ethics. I have many great memories. One was when Judith Krug and Andrea Dworkin debated the issue of pornography and feminism in the gorgeous New York Public Library Trustees Room in the 1980's. Judith was always so polished and articulate. She expressed her views in that forum with the passion she held for librarians and the freedom to read. Judith also took on the painful controversy of ALA policy on the embargo of books to South Africa during apartheid. As a young librarian at the time, what I took away from the experience was Judith's courage and commitment to the value of the freedom to read, despite unfair accusations of racism tossed at her. But she was funny, too, and loved children. When Judith would see our grown son, Zach, at ALA in recent years, she would laughingly recall when, as a five-year old, he would sit under the skirted tables at Intellectual Freedom Committee meetings and play with his Gameboy. Somehow the Intellectual Freedom Committee, Round Table, and the Freedom to Read Foundation discussions overshadowed the rest of the ALA conference content, and I got hooked, like so many. (How many of us remember walking into an IFC meeting at 8:03 am and hear her say, "You're late!") Some of us who worked with Judith are getting ready to retire, and I hope that the new professionals will carry on with Judith Krug's energy and toughness and integrity.
-Barbara Jones, Freedom to Read Foundation Trustee, University Librarian, Wesleyan University (CT)

I have worked in libraries for 20 years and for as long as I can remember Judith’s name has been synonymous with Intellectual Freedom. I finally got the chance to meet her at a Law for Librarians conference and was blown away by her amazing spirit. What a legacy of courage and dignity she has left as an example to all those left to carry the torch of intellectual freedom.
-Amber Mathewson, Library Manager, Green Valley, AZ

In the late 80’s I was a reference librarian in a university library. I experienced subtle and continuing discrimination from the Library Director and filed EEOC charges, followed by a law suit. The law suit drug on for four years. I had spent every cent I had, withdrawn all retirement funds, and exhausted all sources of income. Bills were mounting and my rent was two months overdue. A librarian friend put me in touch with Judy Krug. Judy listened to me, talked to me, and put me in touch with the Merritt Humanitarian Fund. I talked to them, filled out all forms, and completed the application process. It was not the sort of case they normally encountered, and I had little hope. During the process I had several conversations with Judy, saw her when I came to Chicago for ALA meetings, and came to know her as a compassionate, strong friend. Bill collectors called and harassed at least on a daily basis. Personal indebtedness grew and attorney fees mounted. One day, in the mail, came a letter from Judy. In the envelope was a check for $3,000. It was yellow – I’ll never forget it. A veritable fortune, and a means to live another week. And there were no strings attached. The suit drug on – conversations with Judy continued -- another check came later for $4,000. The suit drug on, friends helped as much as they could. The suit finally settled out of court. The first check I wrote was for $7,000, payable to the Merritt Humanitarian Fund. In sum – what do you say about someone who saved your life? Wholly inadequate –but “Thank you, Judy – I wouldn’t have made it without you.”P.S. The Library Director was fired and ushered out by the elbows.
-Mimi Davis

Judy was a fearless defender of the cause of intellectual freedom. I think she made us stronger because we knew that she would help us make our case. It will take the work of all of us to replace her.
-Kay Cassell, Rutgers University

Judith was so passionate and direct and I loved that about her. She also was special to me because she reminded me of my mother, who died in 2002. Mom was also very direct and had a great sense of humor. The other thing that tickled me, and again, reminded me of Mom, was when Judith would nod off in meetings. It took me back to sitting in church with my mother, and holding her little self (about Judith's size) as she napped while I listened to the service. But the incredible thing was that Judith would often open her eyes slowly and ask a deep or pointed or incredibly relevant question with that inimitable voice, so I knew she wasn't asleep.
-Jennifer Grady

It’s hard to find words that adequately describe Judith – perhaps force of nature comes closest. She was my champion, seen only from a distance as a new librarian, then my mentor as I became involved with my state and regional IFCs. When I had the privilege of being elected to the FTRF board and appointed to IFC, she made no bones about letting me know my path. Soon after, she became a dear friend. I was constantly amazed by her courage, her ability to organize a network of support, her political sense, and her style. I will miss her terribly, and I only hope that those of us she led can find a way to lead those to come.
-June Pinnell-Stephens

Through my many years of ALA participation, Judith Krug was always my hero. She will remain so. Her work was and will continue to be vitally important to all of us who value intellectual freedom.
-Mary Miller

I remember when I was in my first semester of library school, and I had to write a paper about the FBI and public libraries. I called Judith's office, and I was so impressed that she took the time to call me back herself. She spent a lot of time explaining what she did and how she did it. Whenever issues about patron's privacy come up, I remember how I spoke with Judith, and I admire all the librarians who stand up for first amendment rights.
-Kathe Pinchuck

I’ve struggled for words to describe Judith’s influence on my life. I dare not aspire to do her legacy justice when so many others have paid tribute so eloquently. I attended her service driven by a desperate need to be among those who recognized how extraordinary Judith was, and felt the magnitude of her loss, not only personally, but for the country and the world. The tightly woven fabric of her family and their generosity of sprit was awe inspiring. I am forever grateful that they shared so much of her with us. I sat surrounded by my family, not by blood, but a bond of love, common purpose and respect that Judith knowingly propagated, then carefully cultivated and nurtured. Her boundless love and compassion will carry us through these rapids of sorrow and grief. We will carry on and carry the flame. Thank you dear Judith, my hero, my mentor, my friend and most cherished - my very young mom...
-Gail Weymouth